Science Daily reported yesterday that new genetic evidence has revealed that the legendary giant squid is the same species in all the world's oceans.
The giant squid has inspired awe and fear in humans for centuries, and even today the largest member of the squid family is an enigma. Scientists were only able to film the elusive creature last year, off the Japanese island of Chichi Jima. The ten armed cephalopod can grow up to 13m long and weight more than 900kg.
The scientists analyzed DNA from the remains of 43 giant squid from around the world. The results reveal that the animals were nearly identical genetically, regardless of where they lived. It is believed that the animals live in certain geographic regions as adults. As juveniles, they may live closer to the ocean surface where they feed and grow. When they're large enough, they could dive to deeper waters where they live their adult life.
While the new genetic evidence reveals a great deal, giant squids are still largely a mystery. No one knows their exact range, how numerous they are, or much at all about their lifecycles. More research is needed to shed light on this elusive, mythic creature.
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